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Zocalo Atlanta: A Richard Sandoval Restaurant

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Atlanta Eats

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August 7, 2018

In case you haven’t heard of Richard Sandoval, he’s a chef who owns nearly twenty restaurants that span the globe. Growing up in Mexico, he got his passion for cooking from his Grandmother and learned about the restaurant industry from his father’s restaurant in Acapulco. After graduating the from the Culinary Institute of America, he went on to open and operate many restaurants, that have received many accolades throughout the years from critics and magazines. Chef Sandoval’s influence includes Zocalo in Midtown Atlanta.

zocalo atlanta midtown margaritas — Sangria swirl margarita and Strawberry margarita at Zocalo

Don’t expect a fancy, posh restaurant. Zocalo is like one big open deck, with seating on bar stools all around the restaurant too. We visited on National Tequila day which was probably not the best choice. There was a DJ blasting club music and people practically in our lap while we dined. But the weather was gorgeous. It’s too bad we didn’t go on another night as we would have enjoyed the patio and the backdrop of midtown on another night as we dined. Still, we made the best of it at Zocalo.

Margaritas and guacamole seem to go perfect with patio dining, don’t you think? I tried the Cadillac margarita however, it wasn’t as good as the Atlantarita (made with peach puree) or Tamarind Mojito I ordered after. The guacamole, prepared table side is terrific, though.

zocalo atlanta chile relleno

Not that guacamole and cheese dip with margaritas isn’t filling enough, but my friend, Brandon, spied the Al pastor sliders and wanted to try them. I’m so glad he did as that was the highlight of the evening for me at Zocalo. The juicy pork and hint of pineapple were perfect. Pictured to the right at the carnitas tacos, which my husband got. He liked them, but thought the rice was pretty salty.

ZOCALO atlanta restaurant review — Al Pastor sliders at Zocalo

For mains, the menu is divided in tacos, enchiladas and the chef specials. This category includes tempting entrees like the Chicken Mole, Arrachera (steak with Chimichurri sauce). Another dish, the Shrimp Enchiladas (pictured below), which comes with plantains and cilantro rice. Our server warned me of the spiciness of this dish, but I still wasn’t prepared for how hot it was!

zocaloa atlanta midtown — Shrimp enchiladas at Zocalo midtown

If you still have some room for dessert, options are the perennial favorites like Tres Leches, Flan or Churros. Flan was not overly sweet, which, IMO, is a good thing. However, the Churros (made to go) are superb!